BGMEA University holds memorial for trustee member Abdullah Hil Rakib

A memorial discussion and doa mahfil in remembrance of its trustee member, late Abdullah Hil Rakib, was held on Sunday at the auditorium of the BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) in Uttara.

University students, teachers, Rakib’s friends, family members, and leading figures from the garment sector attended the event to honour his memory and reflect on his remarkable contributions to the industry and society.

SM Khaled, Managing Director of Snowtex Group and a childhood friend of Rakib, said, “He was my school friend from Shaheen School and my business partner for a few months when I was just starting out. Without his support, our friendship circle might not have stayed intact. He was a source of inspiration — a truly ideal individual in every sense.

Since his sudden departure, a sense of emptiness remains. We keep wondering who will now look after us as he did.”

Moshiul Azam Shojol, a member of the BUFT Board of Trustees, called Rakib a rare gem lost too soon. 

“He was like a beautiful flower in the garden, picked early by the Almighty. He was a quiet, philosophical person, always striving to fulfil his duties discreetly and sincerely.”

Abdullah Hil Nakib, Deputy Director of Team Group, expressed deep emotion and said, “I still can’t believe he is gone. I feel Rakib is still among us. His vision and spirit will continue to guide us in fulfilling his dreams.”

Dr Afroza Shahin, Managing Director of Team Group, sought prayers for Rakib’s departed soul and for strength for his family and colleagues to carry forward his mission.

“Let us all pray for his soul, for his family, and for the Team family, so we may carry on with his dreams and unfinished work,” said Dr Afroza Shahin, wife of Rakib.

Faruque Hassan, Chairman of BUFT’s Board of Trustees, said, “Rakib was my co-partner over the past few years. We worked together on many industry issues. Though he often asked me for guidance, I found that he was the one guiding us all.”

“Family, business, BGMEA, BUFT — he gave each his full attention. He had the rare ability to prioritise everything and still give his best, said Faruque, a former president of BGMEA.

Shovon Islam, Managing Director of Sparrow Group, remarked that “Rakib Bhai constantly thought about the industry. He was a good soul — not only a successful entrepreneur, but also a loving father and a committed family man.”

Farhana Jannat, Head of the Apparel Merchandising Department at BUFT, shared a personal memory:

“He always used to say, ‘You’re welcome to reach out anytime, for any issue.’ His door was always open for any issues of BUFT .”

Among others, BUFT Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Engr Ayub Nabi Khan, several students, former BGMEA Director Nurul Islam, Sharmin Hassan Tithi, Director of Giant Group, and Tanvir Ahmed, a BUFT officer, also spoke, paying tribute to Rakib’s life and values.

The memorial concluded with a special prayer for his soul.

Abdullah Hil Rakib, the late Managing Director of Team Group and a former Senior Vice President of BGMEA, passed away on June 8 this year in Canada.

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